CALGARY - It turns out cutting Romby Bryant was the nicest thing the Calgary Stampeders could do in saying goodbye to the speedy receiver.

With CFL free agency in a couple of weeks and the Stamps unwilling to bring Bryant back at his salary from 2012, Stampeders GM/head coach John Hufnagel released the 33-year-old Wednesday.

Now, the five-year CFL veteran can shop himself around the league before the rest of the market opens up Feb. 15.

“We wanted to give him more time to explore opportunities with other teams,” Hufnagel said. “Romby has been a great player and a great person, and I thank him for everything he has done for the football club."